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Clinton is coming home today: On September 16, Boundary Ambulance personnel shared an intense call with the community, a call nobody wants to hear come over the radio. They were dispatched for an unresponsive four-year-old boy. While en route, the child stopped breathing, and shortly after suffered cardiac arrest. A South Boundary Fire Protection District firefighter arrived on scene approximately two to three minutes after the child’s heart stopped beating, and without hesitating began life-saving compressions.
Surplus BFHS drafting tables being given away
The Boundary County School District #101 Board of Trustees has approved giving surplus Bonners Ferry High School drafting tables for free to community members. Anyone interested, should call the high school at (208) 267-3149 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to schedule a pick up.
Staples resigns as mayor: On Friday, September 22, Dick Staples submitted his resignation as Mayor of Bonners Ferry, citing a potential conflict of interest that involves the appointment of his son as manager of Mirror Lake Golf Course at the end of the year when current golf pro Ralph Lotspeich's contract expires and he steps down. Staple's resignation took effect at 5 p.m. that day. City council president Rick Alonzo is acting mayor and set to be appointed Mayor at Tuesday's city council meeting.
Red Cross in critical need of blood donations: The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as the national blood supply is dwindling after a lack of donations this summer. Hurricane Idalia and other events have strained the supply. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to ensure patients receive critical medical care. The American Red Cross is also calling specifically for platelet donors and type O blood donors.
Branden Durst resigns: After a tumultuous three months since the since the West Bonner County School District appointed him superintendent, Branden Durst, an analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, today tendered his resignation, his end date to be at the discretion of the school board.
Boundary County First Judicial District Court Dispositions
LAUNCH grants go live October 3, sign up now for alerts: The application window for the Idaho LAUNCH grants opens October 3, and Idahoans can sign up now at https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch to get notified when high school seniors are able to apply. Idaho LAUNCH is an education and training grant program that was expanded this year to provide graduating high school seniors a one-time opportunity to have 80-percent of their tuition and fees paid for after high school, up to $8,000. 
Reading on a rainy morning ... 
 
Students picking and reading books during free time on a rainy morning at Valley View Elementary. Is there anything more beautiful? Give them credit ... trust them.
Bonner County RCC censure attempts against commissioners fail with national news cameras rolling
On Tuesday night at the Bonner County Republican Central Committee meeting, two votes to censure county commissioners failed; Luke Odmodt (left), by a vote of 7 yes, 22 no, and Steven Bradshaw (right), 11 yes to 18 no. The petitions were originally submitted to chair Scott Herndon for their alleged failures "to support the United States and Idaho Constitutions and the Idaho Republican Party Platform.” Read more at https://bonnergop.org/news-2. In addition, Spencer Hutchings was voted off the central committee as treasurer. It was standing room only as well over 100 people showed up. An NBC news crew was in attendance as well, filming a segment on extremism in politics. 
No county general election November 7 ...
Moyie Springs Mayor Steve Economu tendered his resignation at Tuesday's city council meeting due to health issues, and council member Geoff Hollenbeck, left, was sworn in as the city's new mayor. In turn, Hollenbeck swore in Pat Stevens, right, who was in the running for a council seat in the November 7 Boundary County general election. City clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser looks on. With his appointment, there are no contested races to decide in November, hence no county election.
Bingham County GOP sues Idaho Republican Party: The Bingham County Republican Central Committee’s executive committee has filed a lawsuit against the Idaho Republican Party to block Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon from stepping in to fill county leadership vacancies. The lawsuit appears to represent another example of the divide within the Republican Party between Moon and her allies in state leadership and the longtime establishment wing of the GOP.   
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions 
A clarion call from 13 presidential centers; save our democracy: In an unprecedented cry of warning, 13 of the 14 U.S. Presidential Centers earlier this month issued a joint statement calling on the nation to reaffirm its embrace of the principals of our democratic republic as enunciated in the founding documents that established our nation's form of governance, that we return to civility and honesty in our governmental discourse, and to restore trust in public service.  
Quick CPR saves county four-year old: At approximately 8:42 a.m. today, Boundary Ambulance was dispatched for an unresponsive child a distance away from their nearest station. While en route, a dispatcher updated EMS that the child was no longer breathing. South Boundary Fire and Boundary County Sheriff’s deputies were closer and on scene before EMS arrived, and able, with their training and assistance from medics via radio, to initiate high-quality CPR within minutes of the child’s reported arrest.   
End of watch

At 3:09 p.m. today, September 16, 2023, a Boundary County Sheriff's dispatcher officially sounded 10-42, end of watch, for 30-year South Boundary Fire District Firefighter Wes Portrey, who died of cancer September 9 and whose funeral was held this afternoon. Thank you for your service, sir, your dedication to service and for your fine example.
Last Second Harvest food distribution of season set: Wednesday, October 4, the Boundary County Fairgrounds will be the site for the final free mobile food distribution of the season. Second Harvest and volunteers will distribute at the west end of the fairgrounds from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Free car seat check events for Child Passenger Safety Week: A car seat is the most important seat a child will ever sit in. National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 17- 23, is right around the corner and a great time to make sure your child’s car seat fits. The Safe Start Car Seat Team will be in Boundary County Saturday, October 7, at South Boundary Fire Station 1, 20 Stagecoach Road, Naples. Last year in Idaho there were 1,943 crashes involving a child passenger between birth and six years old.
Moyie Springs City Council special meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, city hall.
Get ready for the respiratory virus season: Kids are back at school. Weather is cooling down. And it’s respiratory virus season. This fall and winter, we can expect flu, COVID, and RSV to be circulating along with the usual colds and bugs. Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to match the circulating flu viruses. Typically flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common for that flu season. Since flu viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine is updated to provide the best protection.
Fire weather watch Sunday: The National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a fire weather watch for North Idaho and parts of eastern Washington, in effect Sunday afternoon and evening as a dry cold front pushes across the region, bringing breezy conditions and low relative humidity conducive to quick wildfire starts and spread.
Boundary County School District 101 board meeting, 5 p.m. Monday, September 18, district office.
Creston teacher facing multiple sex charges: A teacher from Kootenay River Secondary School in Creston has been arrested for allegations of sexual offences against two students. On September 8, Kianuko Wayne Louie was formally charged with sexual exploitation, sexual assault, criminal harassment, extortion, telecommunications to lure a child under 18, and possessing child pornography under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter endorses open primary ballot initiative: Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter endorsed the open primary ballot initiative today, becoming the highest profile member of a group of more than 100 Republicans who support the initiative. During a press conference this morning at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, leaders of a coalition called Idahoans for Open Primaries announced that Otter and former Idaho First Lady Lori Otter were among a list of 116 Republicans who have signed on to endorse the open primary ballot initiative.   
IPNF controlled burns to begin: Due to the recent shift in temperatures and precipitation, favorable conditions are forecasted in the coming weeks to provide prescribed burning opportunities across the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Multiple prescribed burning projects are planned this fall, although the exact day of ignitions will depend upon conditions aligning with safe implementation. Prescribed burning is part of each Ranger District’s annual natural resource management program to reduce hazardous fuels, prepare areas for tree planting, and improve wildlife forage.
Trump first to file for Idaho GOP 2024 presidential caucus: The Idaho Republican Party is pleased to announce the first filing of a declaration of candidacy with the Idaho Republican Party for the 2024 Presidential Caucus. Former President Donald J. Trump officially submitted his declaration of candidacy to Idaho Republican Party headquarters earlier today, expressing his dedication to addressing the critical issues facing our country and championing the values and principles that Republicans hold dear.
Paving planned between Labrosse Hill and Eisenhower Street: Beginning September 18, crews plan to begin a two-week daytime paving operation on U.S. Highway 95 between Labrosse Road and Eisenhower Street in Bonners Ferry. The most significant impacts are anticipated to be between September 18-28 when the continuous paving work will temporarily affect business and side road access while the asphalt mat is laid and cured in front of driveways. This process typically takes one to two hours and alternate access routes will need to be used during these times.
Events & Entertainment
Spiritsong, Boundless to perform 'Draw the Circle Wide:' An international choral festival in Cuba in November and a performance at Carnegie Hall in April make this a banner year for the "Spiritsong" and "Boundless" choral ensembles under the direction of Vicki Blake Thompson. Come celebrate with them at their performances of “Draw the Circle Wide” at 7 p.m. Friday October 20 and 3 p.m. Saturday, October 21 at the Historic Pearl Theater.
Spool Effect to play benefit for new skate park: Spool Effect will be playing a benefit you won't be able to sit still for from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 30, at the Pearl Theater, 7160 Ash Street, Bonners Ferry. And your suggested $5 admission donation will go right back to the community, helping the the Skatepark Alliance of Bonners Ferry build a new skate park. Spool Effect is made up of three musicians with a love for diversity in musical styles and openness for improvisational music.
Fit and Fall Proof class going to three days a week: The Fit and Fall Proof® exercise class for seniors has been going strong all summer. Beginning the week of September 18, the class will resume its three times a week schedule. The class is held at the VFW Hall at the Senior Hospitality Center, 6635 Lincoln Street, Bonners Ferry. This hour-long class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Thrillusionist to perform benefit for the Panida: Thrillusionist David DaVinci will put on his amazing show to benefit the Panida Theater in Sandpoint at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 7, going beyond reality and stopping just short of insanity! DaVinci is not a magician and not just an illusionist, but a thrill-seeking, mind-bending master of prestidigitation who creates an alternate world of fascination.
Boundary County Bear Fair coming: Our beautiful region is home to the majestic bear, and what better way to honor our shared space than by coming together to learn, share and grow, and the Kootenai Resource Initiative has curated a special day for our tight-knit community, the Boundary County Bear Fair, kicking off at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 30, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.
Business
Disaster loans available for small businesses: Small nonfarm businesses in seven Idaho counties and neighboring counties in Montana and Washington are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Jeffrey Lusk of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began July 11.
Pearl Theater lands $20,000 grant: The board of the Historic Pearl Theater is thrilled to announce that they are recipients of a $20,000 grant from Innovia and the Equinox Foundation for the purpose of expanding artistic impact in Boundary County for the 2023-24 season. As an historic performing arts venue, the Pearl supports the arts by engaging emerging artists and bringing well-known performers to Bonners Ferry.
Brothers launch Ground Breakers yard care service: Three hard working young Bonners Ferry brothers; Ethan, 14, Hunter, 12, and Ammon Matthews, 10, have launched "Ground Breakers," offering Bonners Ferry businesses and residents full lawn care, tractor and excavator services through the summer break, working to learn and hone their business skills and to raise money for college.
Deep Creek Farm Stand a throwback to a more neighborly time: The sign says it's a farm stand, its Facebook page says it's a grocery store, but Deep Creek Farm Stand is far, far more than either. Nestled in the beautiful cedars of the former home and studio of Boundary County icons Lew and Jean Mace, it is now a uniquely wonderful "community friendly, happening place," where customers are trusted and the products a testament to the amazing talents and skills of our Boundary County neighbors.
Social
Nordheim honored by Juvenile Justice Association: Boundary County Juvenile Probation Officer Jessica Nordheim is in Nampa today, where she's being honored with the Idaho Juvenile Justice Association's Commitment to Service Award for her demonstrated dedication, leadership and teamwork.
Tyler Brown graduates POST Academy: Boundary County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Tyler Brown recently graduated from Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Detention Academy #92 in Meridian, Idaho. During the academy they receive 235 hours of specialized training.
Seven county students graduate U of I: The University of Idaho is pleased to release the list of graduates from Spring 2023 Commencement. A total of 1,566 degrees were awarded to 1,457 students, which includes 1,004 bachelor’s degrees, 315 master’s degrees and 47 doctoral degrees. In-person ceremonies were held in May in Moscow, Boise and Idaho Falls. Seven Boundary County students were awarded degrees.
Seven local students on NIC Dean's List: North Idaho College recently announced its Dean’s List for spring semester 2023. Students eligible for the NIC Dean’s List must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits and obtain a grade point average of 3.75 or above. Seven Boundary County students were honored.
Belden, Florea to wed: Becky Lynne Belden and Scott Andrew Florea will be married at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 15, in the Jantz Barn, 301 Deer Park Road, Bonners Ferry, off Highway 95 10 miles north of Three Mile Junction. A country celebration potluck will follow.
Sports/Outdoors
A primer on Idaho trespassing laws for hunters: Hunters, anglers and other sportsmen and women should be aware of Idaho trespass laws before they head into the field. Trespass laws changed in 2018, and even though that feels like forever ago, it's still worthy of a reminder. Here are some basic things to remember ...
Kootenai Valley Junior Rifle Club places fifth in the nation: In the spring of 2023, members of the Kootenai Valley Rifle Club (KVRC) shot in the NRA Sectional rifle match at their home range. They were joined by teams from Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. A Sectional match is one in which a shooter obtains their national ranking. Matches are held across the United States, the scores are sent into the NRA, then combined with others to see how everyone did. After months of waiting the results are in.
Badger harriers do well at home: Sophomore Micah Thomson ran his best time so far this season to lead the way for the boys cross country team as the Badgers hosted Priest River, Kellogg and Coeur d'Alene Charter in the Bonners Ferry Invitational with a time of 19:53 for an eighth place finish. Nathan Russell, a CdA Charter senior, won the event with a time of 17:18. Cole Phillips posted a new personal record overall, which was made even sweeter by a great kick at the finish
Fry Foundation's 15th golf tourney a resounding success: The Fry Healthcare Foundation is delighted to announce the tremendous success of its 15th annual Golf Tournament, made possible by the generous support of local sponsors and participants. This year's event, held on August 18 at Mirror Lake Golf Course, proved to be a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and dedication. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our valued sponsors who played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success.
Strikers gold finalists for Pend Oreille Cup: The Sandpoint Strikers 2009/2010 girls soccer team were U15/U14 gold finalists in the Pend Oreille Cup in Sandpoint on Sunday. Girls from Bonners Ferry, Naples, Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene compete on the team. Coach Jon VanGesen and players Abigail VanGesen, Avah Archibald and Marley Pauls all hail from Boundary County.
Letters & Opinion
Beware the Durst 'resignation:' I was so grateful to read that Branden Durst appeared to be stepping down as superintendent of Priest River Schools after a brief but vexing and tumultuous tenure that I, like many pundits, failed to thoroughly read the letter he submitted today to the West Bonner County School Board and the general public, via what was once Twitter. Reasonable people bravely hoped the man had an epiphany ... That he saw the errors of his ways and was ready to atone. On second reading, I fear it's not so. By Mike Weland
KCRCC’s “vetting” scam: Yes, I’m back at it after a wonderful summer of family celebrations and travel. It has been great to ignore the political angst and focus on what is truly important in life. We are so blessed to live in Idaho! But now we are approaching the election season again. The November 7 elections will include city councils and school boards, but not NIC, as they are next year. By Mary Souza
Extreme right-wing radicals stick together like flies on a dead fish: Brandon Durst and other members of the radical Idaho Freedom Foundation must be defeated. Durst is a long-time member of IFF, serving as their senior analyst for education policy. Senator Scott Herndon is a charter member of the Idaho Freedom Caucus and is Idaho’s top ranked senator, according to Idaho Freedom Foundation. Durst, Herndon and the IFF saw WBCSD as their test cast to dismantle a public school district. By Tony McDermott
Correcting lies in Perez letter: During last week’s signature gathering, Michael Perez came up to me, introduced himself as the author of a letter to the editor in the Bonners Ferry Herald claiming that “the vast majority of funding (of Reclaim Idaho, the main grass-roots citizens group supporting the Open Primaries Initiative) comes from out-of-state Democratic Party interests.” I said that was wrong, and he replied that he had “done the research” to back up his statement in his letter. By Clarice M. McKenney
Closed primaries deprive vets of voting rights: According to the VA, there are nearly 128,000 military veterans in Idaho. We represent nine percent of Idaho’s adult population, which is one of the highest rates in the U.S. Some Idaho vets come from families that have been here for generations, and some settled in Idaho after their service. We are as diverse and independent as our fellow Idahoans and care deeply about this great state. By Todd Achilles et al 
Obituaries
Gladyce Coble died September 13, 2023 at the age of 97 in the loving care of the entire staff at Sunset Home Assisted Living. She was born April 3, 1926, in Taylor, Nebraska, to Jacob and Amelia Strohl. She joined a family of three much older brothers making her the delight of the family.
Dale Lamar Olsen, born March 24, 1939, left us peacefully September 22 surrounded by family. His service will be at 5 p.m. Friday, September 29, at the LDS church, 6568 Alderson Lane, Bonners Ferry.
Richard "Dick" Moots, born November 3, 1933, in Lamberton, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on September 11, 2023, in Moyie Springs. A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 29,  at Bonners Ferry Second Day Adventist Church, 513353 US-95. All who knew and loved him are welcome to join in honoring his memory.
Evelyn Marie Huff Dinning passed away on September 10, 2023, at Boundary Community Hospital at the age of 93. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 30, at United Methodist Church, 6568 Lincoln Street, Bonners Ferry.
Denzel Hassan Tucker, 24, passed away on August 14, 2023, after a tragic car accident. Denzel was born October 15, 1998, in Kambia, Rosinnoh Village of Sierra Leone, Africa. Private family services have been held, and a celebration of life on his birthday October 15 is planned, with time and location pending.

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